In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
As a company with a national footprint, we recognise the vital role we play in advancing reconciliation and championing diversity and inclusion. Our Reflect Action Reconciliation Plan (RAP) is our documented commitment to Australia’s First Nations People. It includes a set of actions that we will take to ensure First Nations People have access to equal employment and social outcomes.
The History Of Our RAP
BIC Services launched its first RAP in 2018. Our 2021-2022 RAP is our third rap, and we’ve made significant strides since 2018. Since 2018 we’ve:
- Formed a RAP Working Group to raise awareness amongst our staff about our RAP commitments
- Partnered with numerous First Nations Recruitment Agencies to deliver meaningful, sustainable employment outcomes and increase First Nations People representation in our workforce
- Sourced First Nations People artworks for our state offices
- Increased our First Nations spend by 24% between 2019-20 and 2020-21 financial year by working with Supply Nation certified businesses such as Dalmarri and Yamari Ochre Signs
- Committed to monthly corporate donations to First Nations charities, including the Cathy Freeman Foundation and the Opening the Doors Foundation
Actioning Our RAP
Literacy for Life Foundation
We sponsor The Literacy for Life Foundation (LLF), a First Nations-run charity that trains local people to deliver literary classes in their communities.
Aboriginal Employment Strategy
We have partnered with Aboriginal Employment Strategy to increase First Nations People representation in our workforce.
Cultural Awareness Training Program
We will be releasing a First Nations cultural awareness program in June 2021.
Supply Nation
We are members of Supply Nation and use this resource to increase our spend with First Nations owned and operated companies.
What Our 2021-2022 Reflect RAP Will Focus On
Some of the actions our RAP will be focusing on are:
- Promoting reconciliation and anti-discrimination strategies
- Increasing the understanding of First Nations People cultural protocols and the value and contribution of First Nations People cultures, histories, knowledge and rights
- Increase First Nations supplier diversity to support improved economic and social outcomes
